Package Securing Container

ABSTRACT

A package securing container for protecting delivered packages. The package securing container comprises a generally square or rectangular container body that can store and enclose a plurality of packages within the container body. The package securing container further comprises a hinged lid and a cut-resistant tether that allows the package securing container to be secured to a doorknob assembly protecting the package securing container from theft. An electric keypad lock provides access to an interior of the container body so that packages may be securely stored within. An integrated alarm system further protects the package securing container from tampering and theft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/070,301, which was filed on Aug. 26, 2020and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a container for securingpackages. More specifically, the invention relates to a package securingcontainer that can be used to store a plurality of packages within abody of the security container until retrieved by the rightful owner.Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto.However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present inventionare also equally amenable to other like applications, devices andmethods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals now shop online and have the purchased merchandisedelivered directly to their home from the postal service and otherthird-party delivery companies/vendors such as Amazon, FedEx, UPS, etc.Unfortunately, package theft from unsecured residential drop offlocations is an increasingly common problem resulting in significantfinancial hardship to companies and purchasers alike. These unattendedpackages are regularly targeted and stolen from the front porches orstoops of residences in such crimes. It can be difficult for purchasersto prevent the theft of these packages even with preventative measuressuch as surveillance. Delivery drop boxes are often used to assist indeterring theft. However, the drop boxes themselves are at risk forbeing stolen.

Current solutions to this problem are cumbersome and usuallyinconvenient. The purchaser may attempt to schedule a delivery when theywill be home, but this is usually not practical for both the purchaserand the delivery company. Others add delivery instructions for thedelivery company to hide the package somewhere on the premises, but thenthe purchaser may not know that the package has been delivered. Anothersolution is to provide the delivery service with a garage code so thatthe package can be secured in the garage. This unfortunately allows thedelivery driver with access to the residence. A video doorbell can alertthe resident when someone is stealing a delivery, but that does not stopthe theft. The only other option is to avoid deliveries and shop inperson.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a packagesecurity container that secures a package or a plurality of packagesagainst theft. There is also a long felt need in the art for a packagesecurity container that secures a package and prevents the containeritself from being stolen with the package(s) inside. Moreover, there isa long felt need in the art for a package security container thatsecures a package that can alert others in the event that someonetampers with the container or attempts to steal the package. Finally,there is a long felt need in the art for a package security containerthat is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is both safe andeasy to use.

The package security container of the present invention, in each of itsvarious potential embodiments, accomplishes all of the forgoingobjectives, adequately securing one or more packages within thecontainer and subsequently protecting them against theft. The packagesecurity container is also securable so that the container cannot beremoved from the securing location. Finally, the package securitycontainer is configured to alert others if a theft is taking place.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a package securing container. The package securingcontainer comprises a container body and a lid. The container body isopen at the top and defines an interior cavity. The container bodycomprises a front wall, a back wall, a pair of side walls, and a bottom.The front wall comprises an upper lip and a key port penetrating theupper lip. A protective plate covers a portion of a top rail of theupper lip. The pair of side walls comprise a plurality of air ventspenetrating each sidewall near the bottom. A pair of wheels attach to anintersection between the bottom of the container body and one of thesidewalls. The lid is hinged to the back wall of the container bodyalong a plurality of hinges. The lid comprises a handle integrated intoor attached to the lid.

The package securing container further comprises a locking mechanism, auser input component, and a messaging element. The locking mechanism isintegrated into the lid and comprises an electrical locking element anda mechanical lock. The electrical locking element is controlled by theuser input component or a key insertable within the key port in theupper lip of the front wall. The mechanical lock is a bolt movablyhoused within a bolt recess in the lid. The bolt moves to engage theupper lip of the front wall to secure the lid to the container body.

The user input component is integrated into the lid and comprises adisplay and a keypad. A user uses the keypad to input a code or commandto unlock or lock the locking mechanism to access the interior cavity ofthe package securing container. The messaging element is attached to thelid and configured to provide instructions for a delivery person toaccess the interior cavity.

The package securing container further comprises a strap attachmentcomponent and a securing strap. The strap attachment component isattached to one of the sidewalls of the container body. The strapattachment component comprises a handle plate comprising a pair ofeyelets and a locking rod securable to the handle plate through the pairof eyelets via a pair of locking bolts. The securing strap is acut-resistant strap comprising a looped end and a quick release end. Thelocking rod of the strap attachment component engages the looped end toattach the securing strap to the container body. The quick release endis used to attach the securing strap to a fixed object, such as aninterior doorknob. The securing strap is thin enough to fit between adoor and a doorjamb.

The package securing container further comprises an alarm systemcomponent. The alarm system component is integrated into the containerbody and is in electronic communication with the user input component.The alarm system comprises a motion sensor and at least one alarm. Theat least one alarm may comprise an audible alarm, a visual alarm, avibrating mechanism, or a combination thereof. The at least one alarm isconfigured to activate when motion is detected by the motion sensorwithout a proper code input into the user input component after apredefined interval of time. The at least one alarm may also beconfigured to activate when an improper code is entered into the userinput component.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intendedto include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodimentof the package securing container of the present invention in accordancewith the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodimentof the package securing container of the present invention in accordancewith the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodimentof the package securing container of the present invention in accordancewith the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away view of one potential embodiment of thelocking mechanism of the package securing container of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of one potential embodiment of thestrap attachment component of the package securing container of thepresent invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a user moving one potential embodimentof the package securing container of the present invention in accordancewith the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodimentof the securing strap of the package securing container of the presentinvention attaching the package securing container to a doorknob.

FIG. 8 illustrates a close up perspective view of one potentialembodiment of the securing strap of the package securing container ofthe present invention engaging the doorknob of a door.

FIG. 9 illustrates an overhead view of one potential embodiment of theuser input component of the package securing container of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 10 illustrates a diagrammatic view of one potential embodiment ofthe user input in communication with an alarm system component of thepackage securing container of the present invention in accordance withthe disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof.

As noted above, there exists in the art a long felt need for a way toallow purchasers to protect delivered packages from theft by a thirdparty. The present invention provides a package securing containerconfigured to retain and protect delivered packages in a secure manner.The package securing container is also protected from theft by a durablestrap that slips through a door jamb and secures the package securingcontainer to an interior doorknob. The package securing container may bepaired with a motion activated warning system. An electronic lockingkeypad integrated into the package securing container is used bydelivery personnel and the recipient to open the package securingcontainer to access the delivered packages. The package securingcontainer is wheeled for easy deployment. The invention provides asimple and convenient storage unit for purchasers to safely receivepackages while traveling, at work, or otherwise not at home during adelivery.

The package securing container comprises an electronically locking lid,a securing strap, a plurality of ventilation holes, a handle, wheels,and an instruction element for providing delivery instructions. Theinterior volume of the container is large enough to receive severalaverage sized packages. When a package is expected, the user simplyrolls the package securing container to the delivery location outsidethe front door and secures the package securing container to the doorwith the strap. Delivery personnel may enter a code, such as a singleuse code, into the keypad to open the container or simply open the lidif the container is unlocked and engage a locking mechanism once thepackage is placed inside.

Once the lid is closed and locked with a package secured within thepackage securing container, an alarm system is activated. Any furtherattempt to move the package securing container will activate the alarmsystem resulting in high intensity vibrations and an audible alarm. Therecipient can access the package by inputting a code into the keypad todisarm the alarm system and open the locking mechanism. The packagesecuring container is also weather resistant to protect packages romdamage due to inclement weather.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a packagesecuring container 100. The package securing container 100 comprises acontainer body 102 and a lid 134. The container body 102 is open at thetop and defines an interior cavity 132. The container body 102 isgenerally rectangular or square in configuration and comprises a frontwall 104, a back wall 114, a pair of side walls 118, and a bottom 116.The container body 102 is typically manufactured from a durable materialsuch as plastic or metal and may be molded or prefabricated inconstruction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the front wall 104 comprises an upper lip106 and a key port 112 penetrating the upper lip 106. A protective plate110 covers a portion of a top rail 108 of the upper lip 106. Theprotective plate 110 is typically a metal or dense plastic plateconfigured and positioned to protect the key port 112 from tampering.The pair of side walls 118 may each comprise a plurality of air vents120 penetrating each sidewall 118 near the bottom. The package securingcontainer 100 further comprises a pair of wheels 142. Each wheel 142typically attaches to an intersection between the bottom 116 of thecontainer body 102 and one of the sidewalls 118. The pair of wheels 142allow a user to easily move the package securing container 100 asillustrated in FIG. 6.

The lid 134 is hinged to the back wall 114 of the container body 102along a plurality of hinges 136. The plurality of hinges 136 may bemechanical hinges or living hinges. The lid 134 comprises a handle 138integrated into or attached to the lid 134. The handle 138 allows a userto easily open the lid 134 to access the contents of the packagesecuring container 100. As illustrated in FIG.4, a deadbolt recess 140extends into the lid 134 adjacent to a mated recess in the upper lip 106of the front wall 104 extending inward from the key port 112.

The package securing container 100 further comprises a messaging element146. The messaging element 146 is attached or affixed to the lid 134.The messaging element 146 provides a means to receive or presentinstructions to a delivery person. The messaging element 146 may be anerasable whiteboard surface or a protective casing or film protector tosecure a piece of paper with written instructions. Alternatively, themessaging element 146 may be a digital display screen that presents thedelivery instructions or a code to unlock the package securing container100.

The package securing container 100 further comprises a locking mechanism141 and a user input component 148. The locking mechanism 141 isintegrated into the lid 134 and comprises an electrical locking element143 and a mechanical lock 144. The electrical locking element 143 iscontrolled by the user input component 148 or a key insertable withinthe key port 112 in the upper lip 106 of the front wall 104. Themechanical lock 144 is a bolt movably housed within the deadbolt recess140 in the lid 134. The bolt 144 moves to engage the mated recess in theupper lip 106 of the front wall 104 to secure the lid 134 to thecontainer body 102 when electronically engaged by the electrical lockingelement 143 or mechanically engaged by a key turning in the key port112.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the user input component 148is integrated into the lid 134 and comprises a display 150 and a keypad152. The user input component 148 is in electronic communication withthe locking mechanism 144. The display 150 may be a panel with indicatorlights, a LCD screen, a LED screen, an OLED screen, or the like. Aprocessor 154 with a memory 156 is also integrated into the user inputcomponent 148. A user uses the keypad 152 to input a code or command tounlock or lock the locking mechanism 144 to access the interior cavityof the package securing container 100.

The package securing container 100 further comprises a strap attachmentcomponent 122 and a securing strap 170. The strap attachment component122 is attached to one of the sidewalls 118 of the container body 102.The sidewall 118 may be contoured or recessed to better attach the strapattachment component 122. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the strap attachmentcomponent 122 may comprise a handle plate 124 comprising a pair ofeyelets 126 and a locking rod 128 securable to the handle plate 124through the pair of eyelets 126 via a pair of locking bolts 130.Alternatively, the strap attachment component 122 may be configured withany fastening system capable of securing the securing strap 170.

The securing strap 170 is a cut-resistant strap comprising a looped end172 and a quick release end 174. The locking rod 128 of the strapattachment component 122 engages the looped end 172 to attach thesecuring strap 170 to the container body 102. As illustrated in FIGS. 7and 8, the quick release end 174 is used to attach the securing strap170 to a fixed object, such as an interior doorknob. The quick releaseend 174 may comprise a ratchet component 176 or come-along for ease ofuse. The securing strap 170 is thin enough to fit between a door and adoorjamb to access the interior doorknob when the rest of the packagesecuring device 100 is located outside.

The securing strap 170 is typically manufactured from a cut-resistantand slash/shear resistant material such as, but not limited to, braidedmetal, Kevlar, etc., wherein said material prevents an individual fromattempting to remove or cut the securing strap 170 from the containerbody 102 in order to steal the package securing device 100. To securethe package securing device 100 to the interior doorknob, the securingstrap 170 is looped around the doorknob and back through the ratchetcomponent 176. The ratchet component 176 allows the user to easilytighten or loosen the quick release end 174 around the doorknob. Theratchet component 176 further ensures that the securing strap 170 cannotbe removed from around the doorknob, which would in-turn allow awould-be thief to steal the package securing device 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the package securing container 100 furthercomprises an alarm system component 158. The alarm system component 158is integrated into the container body 102 and is in electroniccommunication with the user input component 148. The alarm systemcomponent 158 comprises a motion sensor 160 and at least one alarm. Theat least one alarm may comprise an audible alarm 162, a visual alarm166, a vibrating mechanism 164, or a combination thereof. The at leastone alarm is configured to activate when motion is detected by themotion sensor 160 without a proper code input into the user inputcomponent 148 after a predefined interval of time. The at least onealarm may also be configured to activate when an improper code isentered into the user input component 148. The package securingcontainer 100 further comprises a battery 168 for powering the userinput component 148 and the alarm system component 158. The battery 168may be rechargeable.

The audible alarm 162 may emit an audible tone that is trigged by themotion sensor 160 if a would-be thief attempts to move the packagesecuring container 100 after the motion sensor 160 has been set. Thetone may be projected by an integrated speaker (not shown) that emitsthe tone for a pre-selected and user determined interval of time. Thevibrating mechanism 166 may be a high-intensity vibration alarm that canoccur simultaneously along with the audible alarm 162 and may also betrigged by the motion sensor 160. The vibration alarm further alerts auser via the vibration waves traveling through the securing strap 170and into the doorknob and door of the user's home, which in turnamplifies the vibration noise. The vibrations also serve as an immediatedeterrent for a would-be thief who picks up the package securingcontainer 100 in an attempt to carry it away. The visual alarm 166 maycomprise a plurality of lights that flash in response to a trigger formthe motion sensor 160.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the package securing container 100 can byany suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the artwithout affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that itaccomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that the shape and size of the package securingcontainer 100 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. Are forillustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of thepackage securing container 100 are well within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Although dimensions of the package securing container 100and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are importantdesign parameters for good performance, the package securing container100 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensuresoptimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/orpreference.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A package securing container comprising: acontainer body defining an interior cavity; a lid hinged to thecontainer body; a locking mechanism for securing the lid to thecontainer body; a user input component in electronic communication withthe locking mechanism; and a securing strap attachable to the containerbody for securing the container body to a fixed object.
 2. The packagesecuring container of claim 1, wherein the container body comprises afront wall comprising an upper lip.
 3. The package securing container ofclaim 2, wherein the upper lip is penetrated by a key port.
 4. Thepackage securing container of claim 1 further comprising a strapattachment component attached to the container body.
 5. The packagesecuring container of claim 4, wherein the strap attachment componentcomprises a handle plate attached to the container body and a lockingrod securable to the handle plate for engaging the securing strap. 6.The package securing container of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanismcomprises an electrical locking element housed within the lid.
 7. Thepackage securing container of claim 1 further comprising a messagingelement attached to the lid.
 8. The package securing container of claim1 further comprising a pair of wheels attached to the container body. 9.The package securing container of claim 1, wherein the securing strap iscut-resistant.
 10. A package securing container comprising: a containerbody defining an interior cavity, the container body comprising a frontwall and a pair of sidewalls; a lid hinged to the container body; alocking mechanism for securing the lid to the container body; a strapattachment component attached to one of the sidewalls; a user inputcomponent in electronic communication with the locking mechanism; and asecuring strap attachable to the strap attachment component for securingthe container body to a fixed object.
 11. The package securing containerof claim 10, wherein the user input component comprises a display. 12.The package securing container of claim 10, wherein the user inputcomponent comprises a keypad.
 13. The package securing container ofclaim 10, wherein the securing strap comprises a fixed loop end forengaging the strap attachment component.
 14. The package securingcontainer of claim 10, wherein the securing strap comprises a quickrelease end for engaging the fixed object.
 15. The package securingcontainer of claim 10, wherein the strap attachment component comprisesa handle plate attached to the container body and a locking rodsecurable to the handle plate for engaging the securing strap.
 16. Thepackage securing container of claim 10 further comprising an alarmsystem component in electronic communication with the user inputcomponent.
 17. A package securing container comprising: a container bodydefining an interior cavity, the container body comprising a front wall,a back wall, and a pair of sidewalls; a lid hinged to the back wall; alocking mechanism comprising an electrical locking element for securingthe lid to the container body; a strap attachment component attached toone of the sidewalls; a user input component comprising a display and akeypad in electronic communication with the locking mechanism; an alarmsystem component in electronic communication with the user inputcomponent; and a securing strap attachable to the strap attachmentcomponent for securing the container body to a fixed object.
 18. Thepackage securing container of claim 17, wherein the alarm systemcomponent comprises a motion sensor.
 19. The package securing containerof claim 17, wherein the alarm system component comprises an audiblealarm.
 20. The package securing container of claim 17, wherein the alarmsystem component comprises a vibrating mechanism.